The Fayette Citizen-Weekend Page

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Theater of Stars kicks off new year with fan favorite, ‘Cats’

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Audiences can debate which Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is the best back and forth, but one would have to give “Cats” a lot of consideration. Not only was it the longest running musical in Broadway history, but it earned seven Tony Awards and gave the world, “Memory,” which is one of the most famous songs in the world and has been recorded by hundreds of artists including Barbara Streisand, Judy Collins, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis and Liberace. If you have never seen “Cats” or wish to visit the old junkyard where it takes place once again, you’ll have your chance this week.

“We are excited to bring the magic of ‘Cats’ back to Atlanta,” stated Christopher B. Manos, producer of Theater of the Stars. “It’s an extraordinarily entertaining family show and the demand to bring it back was tremendous.”

“Cats” takes place in a larger-than-life junkyard on the night of the Jellicle Ball. It is a time for the cats to celebrate who they are and to decide the fate of one among them. The show is based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Among the cats in the show are Rum Tum Tugger, the rock ‘n roll cat, Grizabella, the glamour cat, the clever Mr. Mistoffelees and the mysterious Macavity.

The show is a spectacle of music and dance on a brilliant set with all of the lighting and special effects of a rock concert. The energetic cast is decked out in fantastic costumes and makeup, giving the audience a little bit of everything, from sweet ballads to jazzy numbers and a tribute to theatre’s days of yore.

“Cats” will be presented at the Fox Theatre, Jan. 7-11. In addition to performances at 8 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday, there will be matinee performances at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday and a special extra discounted matinee at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices range from $20-$54 and are available at the Fox Theatre box office, any Ticketmaster outlet or by calling 404-817-8700.


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